Let’s get right to the heart of the matter. The Jeep Patriot
has been maligned by the press. Available in substantially the same form
since 2007, it’s age is showing. Now, that said, new for 2014 is a
Hyundai-sourced six-speed automatic transmission available alongside the
power-sapping CVT. It makes a world of difference, and properly equipped,
the Patriot is a capable and comfortable small SUV – but it carries
one fatal flaw that we’ll talk about in just a moment.

Our tester came in the Latitude trim. Whereas features like power
windows and locks, heated mirrors, air conditioning and keyless entry are
optional on the base Patriot Sport, the Latitude trim includes these
features as standard, and adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel, height
adjustment for the driver’s seat, a fold-flat front passenger’s
seat for long loads, and steering wheel audio controls. Another interesting
standard feature in the Latitude trim is heated front seats with cloth
trim, a nice touch and not often seen.

On the outside the Patriot’s boxy shape, the rectangular rear
taillights, and the seven-slat grille are clearly descended from the old
Jeep Cherokee, out of production since the 2001 model year. Round
headlights tie the vehicle nicely to the Wrangler, and the back end is
virtually indistinguishable from that of the Jeep Liberty.

Under the hood, the 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engines carry
over unchanged. Our tester was equipped with the latter, producing 172
horsepower and 141 lb-ft of torque. New, however is that six-speed
automatic transmission, available alongside the much-derided CVT. The new
six-speed rates high marks – shifts are smooth, without hesitation.
We never once found the transmission to be lacking, and it’s a great
addition to the Patriot lineup. The 2.4 is “just OK” –
acceleration is smooth but sluggish, at the low end of what we’d
consider adequate power for a vehicle of this size and class. Expect
highway merges to involve your right foot burying the accelerator in the
floor.

Inside, the cabin feels fairly cramped, particularly for the rear
passengers. Seats are, however, quite comfortable and supportive, with
attractive two-tone cloth. Controls for the driver are easy to reach, and
the upright seating position provides excellent forward visibility. The
dashboard instruments are fairly small and the speedometer and tachometer
numbers are tiny and hard to read. In fact, the interior, with its liberal
use of hard plastics and chunky knobs, feels the most in need of an update.
Even the infotainment system feels dated – vintage mid-2000’s,
as is the cargo area which is cramped, measuring in at a paltry 23 cubic
feet.

Our tester came equipped with Jeep’s Freedom Drive I 4x4
setup, a basic setup with a lockable center coupling. We found that it
handled very well, and – particularly in combination with the
Patriot’s generous 8.1 inches of ground clearance – was more
than sufficient to keep us out of trouble on back roads in the mountains.
Those looking for an even beefier setup can opt for Freedom Drive II, which
includes low-range gearing and hill descent control, but requires selection
of the CVT rather than the 6-speed auto.

Around town, the 4x4 system helps the Patriot feel firmly planted
– we wouldn’t advise abrupt high-speed maneuvers as we
experienced significant body roll, but the relatively weak powerplant is
most likely a blessing in this case, intended to keep the driver out of any
real trouble. Fuel economy was an excellent 25 MPG combined.

Despite the interior feeling a bit dated, the Patriot Latitude is a
nice vehicle, a well-equipped rugged little $20,000 SUV. There’s just
one problem, that fatal flaw we mentioned earlier.

The 2014 Jeep Patriot Latitude we tested felt like a $20,000 SUV,
but it was not in fact a $20,000 vehicle.

Our tester carried an as-tested MSRP of $26,450.

In this segment of the market, it’s an astronomical
difference. At an MSRP on the north end of the mid-20’s, the Patriot
is simply outclassed – put simply, similar and better vehicles,
albeit not “Jeeps”, can be had for less. In particular,
Subaru’s XV Crosstrek runs thousands less for similar features,
better ground clearance, and substantially improved fuel economy.
It’s unfortunate – although we enjoyed our time with the
Patriot, and it’s a fun vehicle to drive, we cannot recommend it on
this basis. Chrysler is expected to have a replacement for the Patriot in
the near future and we look forward to seeing it and spending some time
with it when it’s ready.